Hive + Wellness, which owns honey brand Capilano, has teamed up with Rural Aid and peak industry body The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) to launch a drought and bushfire relief campaign to help struggling beekeepers.
Hive Aid aims to protect the “littlest livestock with the biggest impact” in Australia’s $58 billion agricultural industry as the bee population declines further in devastating weather conditions. The campaign will seek the support of consumers and government to support Australian beekeepers and honey bees.
The 2019/2020 honey season is forecast to be the lowest on record due to drought and bushfire affecting water and flowering trees, with the intense heat impacting the survival rate and activity of bees.
“Bees and beekeepers have a crucial role to play in our food production, and right now they are in a battle for survival. Hive Aid will provide much-needed assistance during some of the worst conditions in memory,” said Hive + Wellness COO Ben McKee said.
“We are already seeing falling bee populations and the increasing risk of an exodus from the industry by beekeepers who can no longer maintain viable operations. If we don’t take immediate action, we risk not just a fall in honey production, but declines in food production across the board,” McKee said.
McKee said it’s not just about a honey shortage, but the effect on other foods too. Bees pollinate one third of what humans eat such as crops like apples, avocados and broccoli as well as food for livestock. Honey bees alone contribute up to A$20 billion to agriculture in Australia.
AHBIC will oversee Hive Aid and will provide financial and practical support to beekeepers. All the funds raised through the Hive Aid campaign will be donated to beekeepers.
